Take a walk on the wild side with your little ones on an African safari. Coast through the Serengeti on an exhilarating jeep tour in search of the big 5 and share the excitement with your children as you see wild animals up close and personal in their natural habitat. An African safari holiday is a fun packed family adventure that not only educates but creates magical memories that will be remembered for a lifetime.
Nothing beats the raw drama, adventure and suspense experienced on a family safari holiday in Africa. Go in search of the big cats across the Savannah, see giraffes, zebras and elephants grazing their day away and hear the grunts and barks of baboons as the sun sets and bats fly overhead.
Sometimes the best safari holidays are tailor made, where you can plan your African family safari based on the needs of your loved ones. Have the freedom and flexibility to choose your game viewing experience, select your own game vehicle and if you’re a stickler for routine, arrange timetables for meals and activities. Many of the family friendly game lodges provide kids clubs with trained rangers who can teach your young one’s more about their surroundings.
Family holidays in South Africa are unforgettable. The inspiring Shamwari Game Reserve, is a great safari for kids, where you and your family will be welcomed and hosted by expert rangers who will educate you on innovative conservation and rehabilitation programs such as the Born Free Big Cats Rescue Centre.
Sun City offers families thrilling safari adventures such as an epic air balloon ride over Pilanesberg National Park, where you’ll catch sight of lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo all from the skies above.
Our Destination Specialists are highly experienced in creating the best safari holidays with children. Give us a call today and we’ll help you put together the perfect itinerary for a family safari holiday you will never forget.
Africa offers a great choice of child-friendly lodges. My personal favourite is Riverdene Lodge at Shamwari, in the Eastern Cape – they welcome all ages, from babies to teenagers, plus children from four years old and up can go on game drives.
As well as sun cream and hats I’d also recommend you pack a pair of binoculars each (you don’t want to be sharing binoculars when you spot an animal in the distance), and a fleece or windproof jacket – it can be chilly on safari in Africa, especially as the sun sets.
Here’s a selection of popular family safari itinerary suggestions to give you an idea of what’s available. Call us now and we’ll create an amazing holiday just for you.
Hand-picked child-friendly lodges for your family safari holiday
Ideas, advice and recommendations from our Destination Specialists following their travels.
We tend to cater to family safaris where children are five years old and upwards because they can join you on the game drives or benefit from interactive educational programmes and entertainment at our lodges. However, kids of all ages, including teens, will enjoy the thrill and adventure of a safari holiday.
This is completely dependent on what you and your family want to do, and your children’s age/s. Our Destination Specialists can arrange several different safari adventures – such as game drives, hot air balloon safaris or boat trips – tailor making an itinerary to meet the specific needs and aspirations of your family.
Have you considered a multi centre holiday? After the thrills of your safari adventure why not retreat to the coast to indulge in beachside activities and relaxation. The Kenyan coast has some beautiful white sand beaches or you might want to head for exotic islands, Zanzibar or Pemba.
Africa is vast and therefore different regions experience variable seasons and weather conditions – dry or rainy, hotter or cooler – we recommend you speak to one of Destination Specialists about where you’d like to go and then they will be able to advise you of the optimum time to visit.
Again, this all depends on what type of safari adventure you’d like to experience and the wildlife you’d like to see. Our Destination Specialists can advise you on every element of your holiday so that you’re confident that you’ve got the perfect itinerary for your family. Many customers with younger children are keen to visit South Africa, since it is mostly malaria-free, has only a small time difference from the UK, and offers numerous child-friendly lodges and superb game-viewing opportunities. Families with older children may opt to travel a little further off the beaten track for a true safari adventure.
Understandably, the risk of malaria is a consideration when booking a safari holiday, especially for families travelling with young children. A number of our safari itineraries and lodges are situated in malaria-free or low-risk destinations – including Shamwari Riverdene Lodge, Amakhala Game Reserve and Pumba Game Reserve & Spa – leaving you to fully enjoy a carefree holiday with your family. We’d always recommend checking with your GP a few weeks before you travel.
• Our safaris are created with you and your family’s enjoyment, safety and comfort at their heart • We offer fun, exciting and unique family-friendly experiences, including hot air balloon safaris and breakfast with giraffes • Our Destination Specialists can tailor make the perfect safari itinerary just for you, for memories, your family will treasure for a lifetime • Our exciting multi centre combinations enable your family to discover more of the world together
There’s no question too small. Start planning your dream trip by talking to our Destination Specialists.
Receive the latest travel inspiration and destination news.
We've been tailor making holidays for 65 years. With over 60 destinations to choose from, talk to us and we'll listen to your travel ideas to create unforgettable holiday experiences.